The Best Sports Bras for Every Workout

Key Points

• Working out is uncomfortable for women due to the discomfort of unwanted bounce.

• Workout sports bras offer various levels of support, so consider your activity when selecting the right bra.

• Low-impact support bras are perfect for yoga, whereas high-impact support bras are better for long-distance running.

Working out is often uncomfortable, right? As a woman, not only do you sweat, but you, well, bounce. Bouncing is painful and often causes women to scale back on their workouts. Luckily, today's market overflows with reliable sports bras, making working out much more comfortable.

Business coach, writer, and editor for Forbes Magazine Jenni Gritters says, "Sports bras are meant to be worn during active pursuits, like walks, runs, fitness classes, or any other high-movement activity. They provide both structure and support for the breasts, slowing (or preventing) any vertical or horizontal breast movement while you're exercising."

Your sports bra must be comfortable and fit tightly to prevent chest movement when working out. Finding the right sports bra for working out is a trial and error session, but reading more about the options helps you narrow the field before you look further.

Here are some of the best workout sports bras available.

Nike Swoosh Sports Bra

The Nike Swoosh Sports Bra gives the user great support for medium-impact activities, like running, yoga, Zumba, power walking, cycling, gym workouts, and other activities between those intensity levels. The bra comes in many sizes and colors and gives a compression fit with stabilizing straps.

Dri-Fit for Comfort

The Nike Swoosh Sports Bra gives you medium-impact support for various activities and and provides lasting comfort. With the Dri-Fit technology, the jersey material pulls sweat away from your skin, so you never get a chill as you cool down after your run or yoga session.

Lululemon Energy Bra

The Lululemon Energy Bra includes adjustable straps for a customizable fit for any woman. Reliable support gets you through high-intensity exercises. The bra comes in sizes 2-14 and retains its shape after washing because of its lycra fibers.

Natural Breathability

As you work out, sweat is inevitable, and the Lululemon Energy Bra boasts breathable materials, which allow your sweat to dry without sticking to your skin. You get the support you need with a relaxed, smooth feeling on the fabric.

RUNNING GIRL Strappy Sports Bra for Women

Photo source: Amazon

This medium support option is an excellent fit for wearing a sports bra without a shirt. The RUNNING GIRL Strappy Sports Bra gives women a sexy look while maintaining support and functionality.

Removable Cups

The RUNNING GIRL Sports Bras have removable cups, allowing you to wash the bra without sacrificing shape. Lay the bra out to dry, and then put it back together.

Sweaty Betty Ultra Run Sports Bra

The Sweaty Betty Ultra Run Sports Bra features adjustable straps, so women feel secure during a run or other high-impact workouts. As a high-impact workout bra, the secure underband helps women lock things down for long-distance runs.

Compression Support

Sweaty Betty Ultra Run Sports Bras support each breast separately with compression support. The double-layer knitted construction gives maximum shaping and support at the same time.

Under Armour Mid Crossback Sports Bra

Photo source: Amazon

Any time you take on an activity requiring medium-impact support, the Under Armour Crossback Sports bra is there for you. The crossback design gives you extra support without restricting your movements in any direction, and this option comes in sizes XS-XXL.

Pull-On Closure

Some bras have hooks and other closures, but the Under Armour Crossback Sports Bra is a pull-on bra providing extra support during medium-impact activities. Whether you enjoy cycling, weight training, or boxing, this bra eases you through the event.

Adidas Don't Rest Alphaskin Bra

When you have a day filled with exercise in mind, the Adidas Alphaskin Bra is a good fit. The compression fit and moisture-wicking fabric make it ideal for various sports and other exercise-related activities.

Extra Support

If you're playing soccer, running, or enjoying other training sessions, the Adidas Alphaskin Bra's front strap stabilizer keeps things in place for comfort. The mesh inserts within each cup allow for breathability for extra dryness.

PUMA Women's Seamless Sports Bra

Photo source: Amazon

The PUMA Women's Seamless Sports Bra option fits well and won't show under other clothing. Wear this bra for a workout or throw a shirt over the top — no one will even know what you have on beneath it.

Contoured Fit

While you want the right fit and support, contouring is also essential. The Puma Seamless bra molds to your form and gives you a smooth look, no matter what else you wear atop the bra.

Brooks Dare Crossback Run Bra

Runners need something unique and different, and the Brooks Dare Crossback Run Bra is just the answer. This bra is specifically designed for seamless comfort and security while running.

These high-impact workout bras come in a variety of colors and patterns. Wear it under your running shirt or alone with suitable shorts.

Finding Your Size

The Brooks Dare Crossback comes in sizes 30 A/B through 40 C/D. Some runners find that a slightly smaller size than average suits them well. When ordering high-impact workout bras, you may want to get a couple of different sizes to try. Check return policies to get your money back on bras that don't fit correctly for your purposes.

Athleta Hyper Focused Bra

If you don't plan to run or participate in high-impact activities, low-impact yoga bras like the Athleta Hyper Focused Bra are ideal. This light-support option delivers style and comfort for activities like yoga or light walking.

Watch for Bra Care

Many sports bras clean up in the washing machine, but the Athleta Hyper Focused bras are hand-wash only. Take that into consideration when considering low-impact yoga bras.

These bra options are commonly worn more than once without washing, as sweating during low-impact activities is usually lighter.

When To Wear a Sports Bra

Regardless of breast size, women experience bouncing and discomfort when participating in certain activities and exercises. Invest in a quality sports bra with the right level of support to avoid pain and discomfort while active.

Some women are also self-conscious about bouncing. Sports bras are an excellent solution to avoid distracting others or drawing attention to your chest as you participate in specific exercises.

How Tight Is Too Tight?

Sports bras fit snugly, but you don't want them so tight that they're uncomfortable, leave large grooves in your skin, or cut off circulation. For the most part, when you try a sports bra on, you'll immediately notice whether it's tight enough — or too tight.

Partake in multiple types of exercise to test the support level of the bra. There are different levels of support, such as low, medium, and high. Match your impact level with the right bra.

How Many To Buy

Consider how often you work out and how frequently you do laundry. If you're a daily runner, having half a dozen sports bras helps you to continue your exercises without running out of options.

You may also need bras for different levels of support. For example, you might want a low-impact bra for yoga and a high-impact bra for long-distance running.

Exercise Comfortably

Consider your favorite types of exercise before deciding which sports bra is best for you, and pay close attention to the sizing guide. It's always worthwhile to look at the return policy when shopping online.

Remember that soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking materials enhance the fit and comfort of every sports bra.

Looking for more tips on staying fit and working out? Visit Fit&Fab for tons of articles on running, working out, and thriving.